A/N: Okay, so a few things before you read this.

1. I am soooooo sorry it took so long to post this. I honestly could not think of the right way to start it (this is continued at the end).

2. I love you all. So much. You have no idea. Waking up after I posted it with like 15 notifications that people are already following this after only reading the prologue? That was insane. Seriously. I love you all. And thank you for the reviews!

3. I am now on spring break so updates should be coming A LOT faster. After break, they'll most likely slow back down, though. The life of an IB student is a painful and tedious one that leaves little room for freetime. Especially when we're this close to AP exams.

Anyways, here's chapter one. I hope it holds up to the tone I set with the prologue. *crosses fingers*

(Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or Glee. If I did, Kurt and Sebastian wouldn't have to hide their love for each other.)

Chapter One

We don't need anything or anyone.

After walking into McKinley High for the first time in several months, the first thing David Karofsky thought to himself was Wow. This is not how I remember it.

The biggest difference was probably that he now felt like he belonged. Dave smiled at Kurt, who was currently walking with him to their math studies class. Kurt had been amazing. He knew Dave had feelings for him, but he never teased the other boy about it. He never made things awkward. He was there every day in the hospital after the incident.

Kurt helped Dave to get on better ground with his father. Dave never thought his father would approve if he found out that his son was gay. He always suspected that his father knew, but tried to ignore it. But Kurt forced the two to talk things out. He forced them to talk about everything. Dave felt horrible after hearing what his dad went through when he found his son unconscious, hanging with a noose around his neck. He never really thought before about how the events had affected his dad, but once he did, all he wanted to do was take it back.

Dave never really saw what the big deal about him dying was. He never had any true friends. His dad seemed to only listen to half of the things he said. Dave always felt like he was doing something wrong. Even while in recovery, Dave had often wished that his suicide attempt was more than an attempt. But after hearing what his dad had to say—hearing how much his dad loved him—he was so happy that he was alive to hear it.

He was so happy to hear that he mattered. That his dad accepted him completely. That it didn't matter at all to his father that he was gay. Dave was happy for the first time since his mother had left them, and he had Kurt to blame.

"Hey," Kurt said in a light voice, pulling on Dave's arm, "math studies is this way." Dave jumped out of his thoughts when he felt Kurt's hand on his arm. Kurt smiled reassuringly, but pulled his hand away. "You seem like you're off in another world. Penny for your thoughts?"

Dave laughed, "Well, you know, there's a song about that I think. About how once you've died your thoughts are worth a lot more. What was that called again?"

Kurt rolled his eyes. "You're thinking of If I Die Young. You know you've been hanging around me too much when you start making music references about everything." The thought had almost slipped his mind, but as Kurt rethought his words, he looked at Dave with concern. "Dave, you do know you're okay, right? You aren't dead. You never really died. And I am not going to let you fall back into something like that. Okay?"

Dave smiled, "Yeah I know. Somewhere between you and Seb I picked up the habit. It's actually kinda annoying." The taller boy considered his next words carefully. "Thank you Kurt. I don't know what I would do without you."

Kurt chuckled softly, "Life would definitely be boring. So did you consider my idea yet?"

The taller boy looked forward and said slowly, "Yes, I did."

The countertenor jumped with excitement, "And? Are you going to come today? Please say you will. I don't want to pressure you or anything, but I really think this could be good for you, Dave."

Dave smirked, "Well, someone is awfully excited. Yes, Kurt. I have made my decision." He paused for dramatic effect and rolled his eyes when Kurt practically walked past his seat in class because he was so engrossed in the conversation. "Yes, I will try this whole Glee thing. I don't know if I'll like it, but I'll try. The dancing last year wasn't completely horrible after all."

Kurt sat down in his seat, but practically fell over when he heard the news. "Oh my God! Dave, that's amazing! Glee is going to be awesome! You have an amazing voice. You'll fit right in."

"Kurt, the only times you've ever heard me sing were on drunken karaoke nights at Scandals. And every time I was backed up either by you or Seb. You've technically never heard me sing."

Kurt rolled his eyes. "I've heard enough to know that Blaine and Finn might have a little competition for a lead at Nationals. Dave, you have a great voice. It's going to be perfect. Do you have any ideas for an audition song yet?"

"I have an idea…" Dave smiled. He really did have an idea. He had a song that he thought fit his situation perfectly. Everything about it explained how he felt. A part of him wished that Sebastian and his father were present because the song was devoted mostly to them and to Kurt. Those three would always hold a special place for Dave. They were the reason he was able to pull out of the darkness—the reason he was able to smile and laugh again.

The rest of the day passed in a blur for Kurt. He couldn't stop thinking about the day's Glee rehearsal. He was hesitant to see everyone's reactions to Dave, but he knew they would accept him because they all knew what it was like to have been through a hard time. They knew what it was like to need someone to help them realize they aren't alone. The thought reminded him of a song that Blaine wrote. A song he used to sing to Kurt before they had start dating.

I've been alone, surrounded by darkness. I've seen how heartless the world can be… You're not alone 'cause you're here with me.

Kurt hummed the song to himself for the rest of the day. There was still a sting when his mind brought thoughts of Blaine to him, but they were starting to fade like he knew they would with time.

Blaine had a way of making Kurt feel like he was supposed to be guilty of things that he should feel bad about. Blaine got jealous every time Kurt mentioned spending time with Dave when he was in the hospital. It wasn't Kurt's fault that Blaine didn't want to go with. Blaine didn't seem to understand why Kurt cared about Dave after everything that happened, and Kurt didn't know how to explain.

When Blaine found out that Sebastian often accompanied Kurt on his visits—well, that's when it really started. If Kurt still hated Sebastian, he may have blamed the tragic fallout of "Klaine" on him. But that's just what the problem was. Kurt didn't hate Sebastian. Kurt actually liked Sebastian. Kurt liked Sebastian and Dave, and Blaine refused to even try to understand why.

Blaine asked Kurt to stop spending time with the two boys, but Kurt didn't understand. Blaine had never been clingy. Blaine had never even batted an eye when Kurt told him he was going to hang out with Jeff, Nick, Sam, or any other member of the Warblers or New Directions. Blaine used to trust Kurt.

When Kurt refused to stop talking with Sebastian and Dave, Blaine got angry. He didn't understand that the two boys had quickly become Kurt's best friends—his only real guy friends besides Sam. Blaine didn't understand that Kurt's feelings toward the other two boys were purely platonic and that he had nothing to worry about because Kurt loved him. The jealousy was getting to him. Kurt smirked when he remembered that Blaine had actually written a song about it. That's how torn up he was.

But then, one day Blaine snapped. Kurt had been retelling the previous night's events to him. He mentioned that he had danced with Sebastian, and Blaine couldn't take it any longer. Kurt was in tears before Blaine had finished the sentence. It was over.

Kurt shook his head. That was then. This is now. Kurt was going to walk into the choir room with the same smile he always wore. The difference was that now he didn't have to fake it anymore. The smile on Kurt's face was real. Kurt had amazing friends in Sebastian and Dave, and they were making everything a little easier for Kurt to deal with.

He walked into the choir room and most of the New Directions were already there. Rachel was talking animatedly with Finn about something. Tina was smiling and talking quietly with Mike. Rory was tucked into a corner with Sugar—playing with her hair while she giggled. Mercedes was talking with Blaine.

Blaine. Kurt smiled at the shorted boy when their eyes met like they usually did when he entered the room. Blaine waved shyly then continued his conversation with Mercedes. Kurt sighed. Cedes was his usual go-to sitting with buddy. He wasn't quite ready to have a conversation with the boy. He settled for a seat toward the side. It wasn't like Kurt wasn't used to sitting alone. Before Blaine, he sat alone quite often, actually. He didn't like to sit alone, but it wasn't the end of the world. Besides, Dave would be here soon.

As if on cue, Dave entered the room. Kurt never understood how silence can be loud but in that moment, it was all he could hear. The silence. It was like a tidal wave that crashed over the entire room. Kurt gave an encouraging smile to Dave, who nodded in response. He turned his attention to Mr. Schuester.

"Um, I was wondering if maybe I could join Glee? I know some people here don't exactly—erm—like me. But, I really just need somewhere to belong. Would that be okay?" Dave chose his words slowly and carefully. The four sentences took a lot longer than they should have to escape from his lips, but when they did, no one spoke.

After a few minutes Mr. Schuester began, "Um, David, I know you've been through a lot lately. I just don't think this is a good idea." Again, no one spoke.

The silence was excruciating, and Kurt knew he should be the one to end it. "Um, Mr. Schue?" Kurt began, "Dave has a song prepared if you need him to audition. Maybe we can hear what he says and then decide?"

Mr. Schuester nodded and Dave looked at the band members who smiled timidly before breaking out in a slow, somewhat haunting melody. The tempo picked up and Karofsky opened his mouth to sing.

I want to start by letting you know this

Because of you, my life has a purpose.

Dave kept his eyes on the ground as he sang, knowing that if he looked up he would be met by several unhappy faces—the faces of people that wanted him to leave and never come back.

Sometimes it feels like nobody gets me

Trapped in a world where everyone hates me

He could feel tears forming in his eyes as he sang and realized how true the words he was singing felt. He then thought about how last year he wouldn't dare cry in public. He was scared of being called a "fag" or "gay". He was scared of who he was. Dave had grown a lot since then, but he realized that for many, that wasn't enough.

I was down

I was drowning

But it came on just in time

This song saved my life

As he moved into the chorus, Dave's voice grew stronger. The song wasn't about being upset because the past hurt him. It was about moving forward and reflecting on how good it was that life was getting better.

Sometimes I feel like you've known me forever

You always know how to make me feel better

Because of you my dad and me are so much closer than we used to be

Kurt smiled because he knew this part was directed toward him. He took pride in the fact that he helped bring Dave and his father back together. He locked eyes with Dave as he continued to sing and knew that the song was a thank you to him and Sebastian for being there for him.

You'll never know what it means to me

That I'm not alone

That I'll never have to be

Dave's tears were gone now as he smiled back at Kurt. Things were getting better. As he moved to look to the rest of the group, he was met by encouraging smiles. Words cannot describe how happy Dave was that the eyes he was met with weren't stony and cold the way he imagined they would be. Kurt was right. Maybe he finally would feel like he belonged.

The end of the song was met with applause. Kurt was laughing and tears were forming in his eyes. To his surprise, Blaine was the first to speak. "I think I speak for us all when I say, 'Welcome to the New Directions!'"

Blaine's reaction was met with even louder applause. Kurt was surprised to see the smile on his face was genuine. When he noticed Kurt watching him, Blaine looked at him with sad eyes. Kurt missed Blaine, but he had to accept that that was in the past. He had to move forward. He was glad that Blaine wasn't upset with him anymore now, though. It seemed as if he was finally beginning to understand.

The rest of the day's meeting was rather uneventful. Schuester assigned yet another predictable and extremely worn out theme for the week. It was "Alternative Love Songs". Everyone had to sing a song about love that was never featured in the top 20 on iTunes or on the radio. They had to search for a song that reflected how they felt currently.

Blaine and Rachel were extremely enthusiastic. He could've sworn he heard Blaine mention Hey Monday again. He secretly prayed that Blaine wouldn't sing a song by them. Kurt was starting to get over him, but he didn't want Blaine to sing another song by the group that wrote the first duet Kurt and Blaine sang together as a couple. It would bring back too many memories that Kurt didn't want to think about.

In fact, Kurt needed to forget about it. He needed a distraction. Dave had left early. Something about a dinner with his father or something. Kurt decided not to pry, and instead, he called Sebastian.

The other boy picked up on the second ring. "Hello, gorgeous. What can I do for you today?"

Kurt laughed at the name his friend often referred to him by fondly. "I don't exactly know. Distract me?"

He heard laughter on the other end. Sebastian's laugh was intoxicating and Kurt giggled as he waited for a response. "Okay, I'm good with distractions. I know it's only Monday, but what do you say about going to Scandals? We can get drunk, dance, make other hot guys pay for our drinks, and show up all the other drunk bastards at karaoke. Sound good?"

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Do your distractions always have to involve getting drunk? I don't know about you, but I consider Tuesday a little too early in the week to be hung over."

"You only suffer a hangover if you stop drinking. Therefore, I have never experienced a hangover."

"Yeah right. I know that's a lie. You know how? In one of your stupors you ended up sleeping at my place. You were dead to the world in the morning. It is quite a sight to see Sebastian Smythe nursing a hangover. Anyone ever tell you that you aren't quite pleasant when hung over?"

The intoxicating laughter took over the over end of the phone line again. "Fine. Maybe that was a lie. Okay, well what do you consider a good distraction?"

Kurt smiled. "Disney movies?" he asked innocently, knowing Sebastian's groan on the other end was inevitable.

"I may never understand your freaking obsession with Disney movies, Hummel. The laughter that followed let Kurt know Sebastian was kidding. If you promise we'll watch Hercules and Aladdin, you have a deal."

Kurt shook his head. "I may never understand your choice in Disney movies."

Sebastian laughed. "Well, Hercules and Aladdin both have shirtless guys in them for most of the movie. If I try really hard, I can imagine them as real people. One word: hot."

Kurt giggled at his friend's obscenity, "Seb! I swear you are corrupting my entire childhood. You should stop talking before you ruin Cinderella and Snow White, too." He thought for a minute, then added, "Hey, what about Tarzan? He barely ever had clothes on."

Sebastian cringed. "When I picture him as a real person, all I can think about is how bad he must smell because of the whole living with gorillas in the jungle with no idea what deodorant is. And he probably is covered in splinters from all of the tree climbing. It's just—no."

Kurt laughed, "Okay, whatever. Just be over in an hour, okay?

Sebastian's smile could be heard in the tone of his voice "What? Am I ruining your childhood again? Sorry about that. Is the lovely David going to be joining us?"

Kurt sighed, "Sadly, he has to do something with his dad. I'm mean, it's good for him, but our trio can't be a trio with only two."

"Whatever. We don't need him, gorgeous. We can't have a duo with three after all, can we?"

Kurt blushed against his own will at this, "I guess you're right Smythe. And our duo's pretty awesome isn't it?"

Sebastian laughed, "Some call it stupid. I call it flawless. See you later, Kurt."

"Bye, Seb"

Sebastian added as an afterthought, "Oh, and Kurt? Would it kill you to wear guy's clothes this time?"

Kurt rolled his eyes as he hung up, but for some reason he suddenly found himself rummaging around in his closet for something to wear that he hadn't bought in the women's department. Not that he was admitting he would ever do something like that.

A/N: Okay, so, there's chapter one. Chapter two should be up within the next few days. Maybe tomorrow? Eep!

Until then, I think the mixture of Kurtofsky friendship & Kurbastian friendship - more than friendship is something I can work with. There was that and the fact that I didn't have the heart to break up Klaine.

Review with your thoughts on all of this? Again, I love you all. Seriously. You have no idea.

xxx, Elizabeth